At the heart of Sierra Leone’s political quandary is a fundamental question of governance. Is the current political structure serving the needs of the people, or is it merely perpetuating a cycle of power struggle between political elites, resulting to the death of key institutions, our democracy, and the economy, which hinges on every sierra Leonean’s life?
The dichotomy between governance and personal ambition among political leaders has sown seeds of frustration among the populace, who, after over 60 years of independence, continue to grapple with a lack of basic services, poor infrastructure, and an underperforming education system.
One of the defining features of Sierra Leone’s political landscape is the persistence of tribalism and ethnic polarization. SLPP supporters largely hail from the Southern and Eastern regions, predominantly Mende speaking, whilst APC finds its base in the Northern and Western areas, predominantly Temne and Limba speakers. This ethnic division has been both a cause and consequence of political tensions, leading to exclusionary policies that favour one group over another, depending on which party is in power.
The ethnic-based politicking has reached a point where it has eroded the very fabric of national unity. Sierra Leoneans are often forced to choose political allegiances based on tribal affiliation rather than the merits of a party’s policies or leadership. Such practice has undermined democratic governance and limited the ability of leaders to foster inclusive policies that benefit the entire population, leading to a vicious cycle of political instability and underdevelopment.
To address the political dilemma, political reform is necessary, but it involves fostering a political culture that prioritizes governance over power. A crucial first step is strengthening Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions such as the judiciary and the Electoral Commission, to ensure that they are independent and can hold leaders accountable. Civil society organizations, too, must continue to push for transparency and anti-corruption measures, while citizens should be encouraged to actively engage in political processes beyond voting, holding their leaders accountable through peaceful protests, advocacy, and policy dialogues.
A more inclusive political system, one that transcends tribal lines, must be cultivated. This can be achieved through civic education that emphasizes national identity over ethnic affiliation, as well as political parties adopting policies that are people-centered rather than regionally driven. Only by dismantling tribal politics can Sierra Leone move towards a more unified and progressive future.
Sierra Leone’s social dilemma is one of fragmentation and inequality. The scars of the civil war, coupled with the persistent ethnic divisions exacerbated by political tribalism, have left the social fabric of the nation tattered. In many communities, trust between different ethnic and social groups remains fragile, and in some cases, non-existent.
One of the most pervasive social issues in Sierra Leone is gender inequality. Women, who make up more than half of the country’s population, continue to face significant barriers to equality. Despite the enactment of gender equality laws and the introduction of policies aimed at promoting women’s rights, there are still widespread instances of discrimination, domestic violence, and sexual abuse. The cultural norms that underpin male dominance in both the household and the workplace further entrench the inequalities, making it difficult for women to assert their rights or access equal opportunities in education and employment.
Another aspect of Sierra Leone’s social dilemma is the disillusionment of the youth. With over 60 percent of the population under the age of 35, Sierra Leone is a young country. However, the unemployment rate among youths is alarmingly high, with many young people resorting to menial jobs, the informal sector, or even illicit activities to survive. This lack of opportunities has fuelled a growing sense of hopelessness and frustration among the younger generation, many of whom see little future in their own country.
This social disillusionment has broader implications, including a rise in drug abuse, particularly the widespread use of “kush,” a cheap but highly addictive drug that has ravaged many communities. The increase in youth gang violence and criminal activity is symptomatic of a deeper problem: the marginalization of young people from the social and economic systems that should be empowering them.
To address Sierra Leone’s social fragmentation, the government and civil society must work together to promote national unity. One way to foster this unity is through comprehensive educational reform that promotes inclusivity and a sense of shared identity. Schools should emphasize peace education and conflict resolution, teaching students the importance of tolerance, respect, and cooperation between different ethnic and social groups.
Tackling gender inequality requires both legal and cultural shifts. Laws protecting women’s rights must be strictly enforced, and campaigns to change societal attitudes towards gender roles should be intensified. Women’s empowerment programs, such as skills training and financial inclusion initiatives, should be expanded to ensure that women have the tools they need to thrive in the workforce and their communities.
For the youths, job creation must be prioritized. The government should invest in vocational training and entrepreneurship programs that equip young people with the skills needed to compete in both the local and global economies. Expanding opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, technology, and renewable energy could provide sustainable employment for Sierra Leone’s youth and reduce the allure of illegal activities.
Sierra Leone is blessed with abundant natural resources, including diamonds, gold, and bauxite; but paradoxically, it remains one of the poorest countries in the world. The economic dilemma facing Sierra Leone is one of resource mismanagement and unequal distribution of wealth. Despite being resource-rich, the country’s economy has stagnated, with large segments of the population living below the poverty line.
One of the primary reasons for Sierra Leone’s economic stagnation is corruption. Over the years, corruption has plagued every level of government, from high-ranking officials to local administrators. The misappropriation of public funds, particularly from the mining sector, has deprived Sierra Leoneans of the benefits they should be receiving from their country’s natural resources.
Moreover, the lack of transparency in the mining sector has allowed foreign companies to extract vast amounts of wealth with little accountability or benefit to the local population. The absence of a robust regulatory framework has meant that companies often exploit both the resources and the labour force, leaving communities impoverished and underdeveloped.
Another pressing economic issue is food insecurity. Agriculture, which employs more than 60 percent of the population, has been in decline due to a lack of investment, poor infrastructure, and outdated farming techniques. As a result, Sierra Leone relies heavily on imported food, making it vulnerable to global market fluctuations and price hikes, leading to a rise in food insecurity, with many households unable to afford the basic necessities of life.
To overcome the economic dilemma, Sierra Leone must diversify its economy beyond the extraction of natural resources like investing in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and technology, which have the potential to create jobs and stimulate economic growth. For example, developing a sustainable and modern agricultural sector could not only ensure food security but also create export opportunities, generating much-needed revenue.
Improving governance and combating corruption are also critical, thus requiring strengthening institutions like the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and ensuring that they have the independence and resources needed to carry out their mandates. Increased transparency in the mining sector, including better monitoring of revenue flows and the fair distribution of wealth, would ensure that Sierra Leone’s resources benefit all its citizens, not just a privileged few.
Sierra Leoneans are indeed in a political, social, and economic quandary. However, such challenges are not insurmountable. By prioritizing good governance, social cohesion, and economic diversification, the country can begin to break free from the cycles of underdevelopment that have held it back for so long. Such would require collective action from all levels of society—citizens, civil society, and the government—to ensure that the future of Sierra Leone is one of progress, unity, and prosperity for all.
